East Texas Star Wars Fan Loses Battle with Cancer

SPRING (Staff/AP) — A Spring resident who called Nacogdoches home has lost his battle with a fatal form of cancer. Daniel Fleetwood’s wife, Ashley, said on her Facebook page that Daniel died in his sleep Monday night. Daniel’s dying wish was to see the new, unreleased “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” An online campaign, #forcefordaniel, went viral, resulting in his wish being granted thanks to the film’s producers, director and Disney. Star Wars star Mark Hamill also helped support the cause. The movie is scheduled for release to the public December 18th. Fleetwood had told People magazine if he got to see the movie, he might actually die from happiness.

According to Ashley’s Facebook page, “Daniel put up an amazing fight to the very end. He is now one with God and with the force. He passed in his sleep and in peace. He will always be my idol and my hero. Please hug uncle Marc for me and give Lucy lots of kisses. Rest in peace my love. This was the last selfie we ever took together.” A celebration of Daniel’s life is scheduled Nov. 21 in Nacogdoches.